10 Affordable Online Early Childhood Education Degrees (2025)

The demand for early childhood education professionals is growing, and getting a bachelor's degree in the field puts individuals at an advantage in obtaining rewarding teaching jobs and other sought-after educator roles.

Adult learners have numerous options for earning an affordable online degree in early childhood education, with many flexible and convenient choices available for working professionals.

List of Affordable Early Childhood Education Degrees Online

This list describes accredited universities where students will find an affordable online early childhood education degree. Individuals should research programs regarding licensure requirements for their state of residency.

1. Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University provides the most affordable online early childhood education degree with participation in the North Carolina Promise Tuition Plan, which significantly reduces student costs.

The tuition for undergraduate distance learning is $41.67 per semester hour plus applicable fees for residents. Out-of-state students pay $208.33 per semester hour.

Its online bachelor's degree program has an early childhood education concentration and ranks among the best online programs.

2. Central Methodist University

Central Methodist University in Missouri charges a tuition rate of $230 per credit hour for undergraduate degrees. Additional mandatory costs also apply, such as student, resource, and career center fees.

It offers a Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education through flexible online learning that prepares individuals for rewarding educator careers.

Students gain direct learning experience to successfully work with young children through an introduction to teaching and course topics like education psychology.

3. Southern Illinois University

The online Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education at Southern Illinois University costs only $321.25 per credit hour, plus applicable fees.

It requires 120 credits to graduate and prepares individuals for teaching children from pre-kindergarten through second grade. It is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Over 90% of their students receive some financial aid through grants, scholarships, and waivers to assist with tuition costs.

4. University of West Alabama

The University of West Alabama offers an online Bachelor of Science degree in childhood and elementary education costing $325 per credit hour that grants Alabama teaching certification.

This degree is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs and includes a mentoring partnership to enhance the online learning experience.

Students need a total of 127 credits. Courses are eight weeks long, and the program takes three to four years to complete.

5. Western New Mexico University

The bachelor's degree in early childhood education at Western New Mexico University has a tuition cost of $332.82 per credit hour for residents and $414.65 for non-residents. Additional fees for online courses apply.

Individuals learn to become educators and gain essential skills and knowledge in child growth and development to enhance classroom learning.

This program is ideal for students pursuing licensure and job roles as teachers of children from birth through third grade and parent support specialists.

6. Eastern Oregon University

Eastern Oregon University provides an affordable online early childhood education degree that costs $286.40 per credit hour for residents. Out-of-state students pay a reasonable rate of $329.60 per credit.

This program ranks among the best bachelor's degrees in education available via distance learning. It provides foundational knowledge and practical teaching experience through hands-on instruction.

Students must complete 180 credits, and it takes four years to finish. It is a non-licensure program.

7. Liberty University

The cost per credit is $390 to earn an online Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education from Liberty University. Military personnel pay a discount of $250.

This affordable bachelor's degree can be completed in three and a half years and has eight start dates throughout the year, providing much-needed flexibility for working professionals.

It is a non-licensure program helping students excel in fulfilling jobs in public and private school settings.

8. The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama charges $385 per hour for its online bachelor's degree in early childhood education program.

Students learn child growth and development from birth to the age of eight, enabling them to guide children through crucial developmental stages.

Courses cover topics like assessment of young children and educational statistics. It requires 120 credit hours to graduate, and qualified individuals can apply for teacher certification in the state of Alabama.

9. North Greenville University

Earning an affordable online early childhood education degree is possible at North Greenville University in South Carolina, where tuition is $395 per hour, plus applicable fees.

Its Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood education ranks highly among the best online bachelor's in education programs. Students engage in classwork covering child development and the foundations of reading.

Graduates pursue jobs as childcare directors and early intervention specialists, in addition to private or public school teachers.

10. University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix helps students make a difference through teaching with its online bachelor's degree in early childhood education, which is an initial licensure program.

It costs $398 per credit and includes a tuition guarantee that remains fixed throughout the degree. Students need to complete 120 credits to graduate.

Coursework covers curriculum planning and differentiated instruction, preparing individuals for careers as early childhood and preschool teachers.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education Cost?

The cost of pursuing an online bachelor's degree in early childhood education is reasonable, with typical tuition ranging from around $200 to $398 per credit, according to our list of the top ten most affordable programs.

The most notable is Western Carolina University, with its current tuition promise plan of $41.67 per hour. Other institutions may charge $400 or more per credit hour, demonstrating how costs vary, particularly between public colleges vs. private colleges.

Additional differentiating factors include state residency, financial aid opportunities, and whether a student enrolls part time or full time.

Many colleges charge additional fees for technology, career resources, or online classes. They usually require an average of 120 credits to graduate.

How To Make an Online Early Childhood Education Degree Affordable

Making an online early childhood education degree affordable is possible for students, with many available paths to explore.

Researching cost-effective programs available through distance education is a smart tip, as is considering part-time enrollment.

Many adult learners qualify for financial aid and must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility.

There are various ways to obtain financial assistance, including the following:

• loans, grants, or scholarships
• tuition reimbursement programs
• installment payment plans
• work-study programs

Is an Online Early Childhood Education Degree Worth It?

An online early childhood education degree is a good choice for students with a passion for teaching young children who want to become kindergarten teachers or work in preschools, daycare centers, or other educator-related roles.

Obtaining one through distance education is ideal for adult learners needing flexible course times and adaptable deadlines for completing projects and is worth it for the right student.

Find an Affordable Degree in Early Childhood Education Online Today

Finding an affordable online early childhood education degree is feasible, with many available nationwide. This list of accredited institutions helps aspiring teachers and educators discover the best bachelor's program to fit their needs.